Lent with Water
Our planet is full of water! 70% of the circumference is covered by the Oceans. Rivers and waterfalls rush across the land,. Rain and snow deluges our land at times. Water is a life sustaining element and indeed makes up a major part of our bodies.
40 verses associated with water along with a comment follow for each day.
Reflect on what is shared, even the photo may inspire, and have a conversation with God on what He wants to express to you at this time.
Genesis 1:2
Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
Water was there in the beginning, and so was the Spirit of God, hovering, poised and ready for action.
Genesis 1: 9 God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so.
In Genesis Creation story we read that God began by separating light from dark, sky from sea, sea from land. Where do you see separation or gathering?
Genesis 1:20 God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”
God created appropriate "liveable" spaces above - birds, below - marine animals, land vegitation and animals including humans. Every species has it`s rightful place.
Note whether you work with or against order.
Deuteronomy 8:7
For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills;
God`s desire was to provide good things including water, to sustain life in its abundance.
Note your outlook on what you see.
Psalm 1:3
That person is like a tree planted by streams
of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither whatever they
do prospers.
The image of good agricultural growth for prosperity is met by the presence of water in which we are rooted.
In what are you `rooted`?
Ezekiel 47:1 The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east
A shallow river that soon became uncrossable. Quickly rising waters make us think of powerful floods that go everywhere changing the known landscape.
How do you react to power?
Ezekiel 47:12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”
This is a sacred river, a river of life, a sign of God’s shalom. It nourishes, and where ever it goes brings life.
Amos 5:24 But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness
like a never-failing stream!
Waters can be choppy and swift flowing in rapids where you need to keep on track and alert. God`s justice cannot be ignored.
Sometimes we can forget God as judge and only see a loving God.
Matthew 2:16
"And when Jesus had been baptized…”
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The thin veil between earth and heaven was torn open and the Holy Spirit descend on him like a dove, and Jesus heard a voice from heaven announce that He was God’s beloved Son.
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Ezekiel 36:25
“Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.”
Baptism. We do it in different ways. Some of us dunk; others sprinkle. Some do it to infants, while others insist adults only. However we understand it, we all agree that baptism must involve water!
A new revelation implied by the symbol.
​God speaks through the prophet Ezekiel, promising to cleanse His people from sin and impurities. Water is used as a symbol of purification, illustrating God’s desire to wash away the stains of sin and restore His people to a state of righteousness.
1 John 5:6
This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did
not come by water only, but by water
and blood. And it is the Spirit who
testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.
Baptism and Crucifixion with the Holy Spirit present as the Temple curtain was torn from top to bottom implying God breaking in afresh.
Where do you see such breaking in today?
John 4:10
Jesus: “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
The Samaritan Well water would quench the thirst for a moment, but Jesus offer was for something much more sustaining that lasts for eternity.
Acts 8:37
“What is to prevent me from being baptized?”
Philip baptises the Ethiopian in a pool of water. An act of welcome to a gentile, foreigner, with no regard to race, ethnicity or sex.
John 7:37
Jesus stood and said in a loud voice,
“Let anyone who is thirsty come to
me and drink.
At the Jewish Tabernacles, water was carried in golden pitchers from the pool of Siloam to the temple. This was a reminder of the water that gushed forth from the rock in the desert
(Num 20:2–13) and a symbol of hope for the coming messiah (Isaiah 12:3). Water as icon of past and of future.
For what are you currently thirsty?
Genesis 2:10
A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there
it was separated into four headwaters
Two of these waters are known today - Tigris & Euphrates. They are crucial waterways in an often parched area of the world. Eden provided life giving water to the world.
Where do you see parched land in our day that you might pray for.
Revelation 22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb
The final book of the Bible describes another river emanating from God & Jesus that brings life and shalom in the new order and reign of God.
Revelation 21:6
To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life.
God`s gift is free as it has already been paid for by His Son, Jesus Christ.
Job 6:15-17
“My brothers have acted deceitfully like a
wadi, like the torrents of wadis which vanish, which are turbid because of ice
And into which the snow melts. “When they become waterless, they are silent, when
it is hot, they vanish from their place.
Wadi`s can be dangerous places, with flash floods caused by rain many miles away, yet appear to be shade from a hot desert sun. In the sheltered areas even snow may deceptively lie in the shade. The question arises how do we remain watchful and not be lured into danger?
2 Kings 5:12
Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Could I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage.
Naamen sort healing but felt humiliated to fulfil God`s instructions, and wanted to do it his own way.
How responsive are we to following God`s instruction?
Isaiah 12:3
Therefore you will joyously draw water from the springs of salvation.
This figurative language, denotes the inexhaustible fulness of the Godly blessings prepared for the people of God. Just as Israel was miraculously supplied with water from the rock in the desert, so will the God of salvation, be our salvation, "For the Lord God is my strength and my song, and He also has become my salvation.” v.2
Genesis 13:10-11
Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere—this was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah—..... So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and Lot journeyed eastward. Thus they separated from each other.
Lot's choice involves two aspects: personal gain, a lush area for prosperity and spiritual risk moving close to Sodom with its established reputation.
Have you made choices for yourself that brings risk and danger? How might you make good decisions.
Psalm 23:2
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
We all require rest and refreshment before returning to the furore of our lives. Just as sheep are scittish by fast flowing water that gets in their wool and drowns them, our Lord leads to safe, refreshing places.
Where do you find rest?
Isaiah 49:10
“They will not hunger or thirst, nor will the scorching heat or sun strike them down;
For He who has compassion on them will
lead them and will guide them to springs
of water."
If you walk on desert sand the heat seems to come as much from below as from above, as it reflects the sun's rays with a force almost equal. For believer`s God shows compassion and supports them.
Jeremiah 17:8
For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year
of drought nor cease to yield fruit.
Unlike trees, we can choose where we will be planted. With wisdom we will root in places that will nourish and feed us rather than harsh areas. The question arises, where is my true home where I can live securely.
Jeremiah 2:13
“For My people have committed two evils:
They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, to hew for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.
The cistern is a human made tank to collect gathered surface water. It gets used up and needs replenishing with the next rains, or it may become brackish or stagnent, or if broken will not even hold the water. This contrasts with the living water, that is constant, bubbling, full of life.
What do you choose?
Isaiah 55:1
Ho! Every one who thirsts, come
to the waters; and you who have
no money come, buy and eat.
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Water, wine and milk are symbols of spiritual blessing. The prophet uses the word "buy", yet emphasises it can`t be bought.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
Proverbs 25:26
Like a trampled spring and a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
A drink of pure water from a spring or fountain is refreshing. Waters clogged with stirred-up dirt would disappoint. A godly person who fails to stand firmly or sins, is a disappointment, and sadly ruins their testimony.
James 3:11
Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?
James challenges our speech that should be words of blessing but at times can also be negative or cursing. A spring cannot have two water sources, sweet and salty for instance.
Are there areas you need to hand over to change?
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Proverbs 18:4
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters;
The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Where there is a sound understanding, and a deep, well-informed mind, its wisdom and its counsel are like an incessant stream,
If people become too confident in their own opinions, they may become unreasonable in discussion and blind to the viewpoints of others.
Proverbs 14:27
The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
That one may avoid the snares of death.
A reverent, humble heart is respect for God (Exodus 20:20)That trusting, obedience to God's will produces a lifegiving stream, connecting us to the truthful love of our Creator and abundant life.
Psalm 36:8-9
They drink their fill of the abundance of Your house; and You give them to drink of the river of Your delights.
For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
God is a generous God, supplying abundantly.
God`s delights bring joy as we recognise He has given life.
How do you express you Joy in the Lord?
Genesis 26:18
Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the time of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died, and he gave them the same names his father had given them.
By re-digging Abraham’s wells, Isaac uncovered what had been obscured, ensuring that the knowledge of God would keep flowing into the world. Sometimes the wells are covered over and hidden and require determination to uncover that flow of the water of life that has been stopped.
Is there any "uncovering" that you need to dig for?
Genesis 29:3
When all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone away from the well’s mouth and water the sheep. Then they would return the stone to its place over the mouth of the well.
The stone at the well's mouth was to secure it as water was scarce, it was not there for every one's use: but separate interests should not take us from helping one another. When all the shepherds came together with their flocks, then, like loving neighbours, they watered their flocks together.
How might this challenge you?
Psalm 42:7
Deep calls to deep in the roar of Your waterfalls;all Your breakers and Your billows have swept over me.
The psalmist feels despondent. with his depression like floods cascading over his head. Nevertheless, he refers to those floods as the Lord's "breakers and waves." It appears that he sees the Lord's hand in his trials.
The phrase "deep calls to deep" can reflect a few possible meanings. One is that the deep waves and waterfalls are being followed one after the other. A constant barrage of these feelings and experiences. Another interpretation is of the psalmist's deep desire for God as he calls out.
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Where is your heart`s cry that needs to be heard?
Psalm 89:9
You rule the swelling of the sea;
When its waves rise, You still them.
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Luke 8:22-25
He got up and rebuked the wind and the surging waves, and they stopped, and it became calm.
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Whether it`s a storm at sea or within our hearts, God is able to bring calm. Sometimes we might feel panic, as we see the raging all around and think we will be overcome, but crying out to God and trusting Him can resolve the situation in unexpected ways.
Psalm 107:29
He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed.
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Psalm 93:4
More than the sounds of many waters,
Than the mighty breakers of the sea,
The Lord on high is mighty.
Crashing waves on the sea shore can make quite a thunderous noise and expression of power but God is above any such destruction in expressing His sovereignty, might and power.
What power in your life challenges God`s power?
Through this miracle, Jesus demonstrates His authority over
the natural elements, signifying
His divine identity and power.
John 2:7-9
Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.
Matthew 14
v.25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake
v.28-31 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to
come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw
the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
This familiar story of Jesus walking on water and Peter’s attempt to walk towards Him illustrates the importance of faith. As long as Peter kept his eyes fixed on Jesus, he was able to walk on water. But, when he shifted his focus to the wind and the waves, fear crept in and caused him to sink. This teaches us the need to keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting in Him, even in the midst of life’s challenging circumstances.
Have you had experience of Jesus’ ability to calm the storms of your life, bringing peace and reassurance in the midst of chaos?
Psalm 42:1-2
As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
When can I go and meet with God?
This poetic passage speaks of the psalmist’s longing for God, comparing it
to the thirst of a deer in need of water. Just as water is essential for physical
life, the psalmist’s soul thirsts for a deep relationship with God, recognizing that true satisfaction can only be found in Him.
As God questions Job, challenging his limited understanding, He mentions water as a powerful element of creation. This highlights the abundance and grandeur of water, reminding us of God’s sovereignty and creative ability. Often we think we are in control, but compared to God it is partial and limited.
Job 38:34
Can you raise your voice to the clouds
and cover yourself with a flood of water?
Psalm 65:9
You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly.
The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it.
This psalm acknowledges God’s role in watering and enriching the earth, resulting in a bountiful harvest. It highlights God’s faithfulness in providing for our physical needs and His abundance in the natural world, but as we consider Easter, we can recognise that He also has provided for us spiritually in Jesus` life, death and resurrection.
How do you see God’s power displayed in calming the seas and the turmoil of the nations?
